July 23/05 6:22 am - ACC Announces Support for P.E.I. Bike Challenge

The Atlantic Canada Cycling Centre, Dieppe, New Brunswick, announced that they will be supporting the 254 km Biking for Breakfast Challenge on August 13, on Prince Edward Island.

Organizers of the Challenge were pleased to hear the news that the Centre would offer a prize of three free coaching sessions for a rider who raises one of the top three pledges for the Event.

The Centre's "Pepsi Cup" attracts more the 140 young cyclists (from 10 to 15 years old) on a weekly basis for the past seven years. With the arrival of such Centre in the area, these young cyclists already represent the active potential of the 2008 generation.

These young cyclists benefit of a unique infrastructure in the Atlantic provinces. This Centre will greatly contribute to a change in the way of thinking for our young athletes and will offer a clearer and more elevated vision for their objectives. The title "Olympic" will no longer be a simple unreachable dream for our young cyclists.

In the Vision Statement for the Centre, their objective is to promote the development of Atlantic Canadian athletes in the disciplines of mountain biking, road and track in preparation for international level competition. In an effort to attain this objective, the Centre provides athletes with highly-competent coaches as well as training conditions which favour their development.

There are a number of programs offered through the Centre: Introduction, Recreational, Structured group training programs, high performance program development, athletes camp, cycling school, and competition. The Centre also boosts the only cycling velodrome east of Quebec City. The velodrome was completed in July 2001. It serves as a work tool and training facility for not only top level athletes, but is also opened for everyone eager to challenge themselves to a test of high speed cycling. Further, the velodrome experience is aided with the fact that Pepsi Bottling Group has donated 24 track bikes to let everyone try and enjoy track cycling.

The Head coach for the Centre is Luc Arseneau. Arseneau has been the head coach of the Centre since 2001. Arsenau was also on the National Team Staff at the Pan-Americans Games when Clara Hughes captured three medals (Gold, Silver, and Bronze). He was also the Manager for the National Team at the World Track Championships is Denmark and Road Championships in Belgium. He has also held a number of director and other cycling related titles.

The Centre has already made it's mark on the international cycling scene. For example, the Centre sent 5 of it's elite riders to the World Championships who placed in the top 40; two riders in Tours of France who captured first place finishes.

"The support of our Atlantic Canada Cycling Centre," says Ken Trenholm, Chair of the Biking for Breakfast Planning Committee, "helps us in offering a top prize that relates specifically to the interests of the participants. It also helps spread the word about the great work that the Centre is doing for Atlantic Canadians and for cycling in general."

To participant in the Biking for Breakfast Challenge, riders need to collect $50 in pledges and be a member of their provincial cycling association. Riders can elect to register in the full 254 km course, or partial 50 km course, or even design a custom course. This is the largest one day cycling event in the Maritimes for 2005. The project is aiming to support the School Breakfast Programs. More information about registration and details about the event can be found at www.summersidecycling.com or by calling 902-888-3878.